Minister: New Athens Metro to Save Commuters Time, Ease Traffic

Greek Transport Minister Christos Staikouras observing the architectural ideas submitted for seven of the 15 stations to be created for Athens metro Line 4. Photo source: Transport Ministry

One of the most important transport projects in Greece, the extension of the Athens metro network with works on the first section of Line 4, is expected to save commuters time, ease traffic and reduce the city’s environmental footprint, said Transport Minister Christos Staikouras this week during a presentation of architectural ideas for seven of its 15 stations.

“Greece is attempting a leap forward in quality with the implementation of projects that create a holistic model of sustainable development. Sustainable urban mobility is spearheading the effort,” said Staikouras.

More specifically, Part A of the 15-stop, 12.8km line will serve Veikou Park (Alsos Veikou), Galatsi, Elikonos, Kypseli, Athens  courts (Dikastiria), Alexandras, Exarcheia, Akademia, Kolonaki, Evangelismos (hospital), Kaisariani, Panepistimioupoli in Zografou, Ilissia, and Goudi, and span four municipalities. The line is scheduled to be operational by 2030.

Once completed, Athens Metro Line 4 will span 38.2km and cover the needs of at least 340,000 commuters daily through 35 stations. The project, budgeted at 1.2 billion euros, is partly supported through new financing by the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Greek Transport Minister Christos Staikouras. Photo source: Transport Ministry

Referring to the open competitions launched in May for seven of the 15 stations in central Athens, Staikouras said that “infrastructure projects must create architectural landmarks, converge with the urban landscape, ensure functionality and aesthetic quality and upgrade public spaces, based on the modern requirements of architecture and the principles of bioclimatic design”.